Hinunangan, Southern Leyte — On October 4, locals gathered at HRA Plaza for “Yaka sa Plaza,” a community donation drive organized to help the victims of the recent Cebu earthquake. The event wasn’t a formal fundraiser, but a relaxed, heartfelt gathering that brought people together in true Bisaya fashion — to yaka, or sit on the ground, connect, and lend a helping hand.
A Movement Rooted in Purpose
The initiative was led by Movement of Jah People (MOJP) Chairman Cheerio Capapas and Barangay Otama Councilor Dave Del Rosario, both known for their continuing outreach and feeding programs for children. With Yaka sa Plaza, they once again turned community spirit into concrete action, reminding everyone that help doesn’t always need grand stages — sometimes, it just needs people willing to sit down and care.
Local Support in Full Force
The event drew strong support from local groups and small businesses including Mamay Ito’s Lomi House, Wangi Clothing, Southern Pacific Outdoors, E-Hatud Express, SouthernLeyte.com, and Parking Latte. Each partner contributed in their own way, showing that kindness thrives when communities unite.
In a touching gesture, Parking Latte dedicated 50% of all coffee sales during the event to the Cebu earthquake relief fund. Around the plaza, local artists showcased their paintings, using creativity to inspire and raise funds for those affected.
The Meaning of “Yaka”
In Bisaya, yaka means to squat or sit on the ground, a simple act of resting one’s body and grounding one’s self. But at HRA Plaza, it became symbolic of solidarity. People sat together, shared stories, listened to music, and gave what they could. Every shared seat and smile reflected the humility and togetherness that define Southern Leyte’s people.
₱12,000 Raised on the First Night
By the end of the first night, Yaka sa Plaza had already raised over ₱12,000 in donations. The amount came from food and coffee sales, contributions from attendees, and proceeds from local art pieces sold during the event. More than the total, it showed how quickly generosity can grow when a community moves with one heart.
Part Two: The Movement Continues
The men behind Yaka sa Plaza event. Movement of Jah People.
Because of the overwhelming support and energy from locals, organizers continued the effort with “Yaka sa Plaza Part 2” on October 5, still at HRA Plaza. The second day welcomed more volunteers, performers, and donors, proving that unity only grows stronger when rooted in compassion.
Relief Packs and Immediate Action
Following the fundraising nights, the group quickly turned donations into action. Using the pooled funds, they purchased canned goods, bottled water, and other essentials to prepare relief packs for those affected by the Cebu earthquake. Each pack contained 2 kilograms of rice, 1 can of sardines, 1 pack of Wow Ulam, 1 liter of mineral water, 1 twin pack of coffee, and 2 packs of noodles.
With the help of volunteers, a total of 130 relief packs were prepared and readied for distribution, showing how small acts of unity can bring real comfort to those in need.
Each pack contained 2 kilograms of rice, 1 can of sardines, 1 pack of Wow Ulam, 1 liter of mineral water, 1 twin pack of coffee, and 2 packs of noodles.
Final Conclusion
As the night wound down at HRA Plaza, the laughter, music, and sense of shared purpose echoed louder than any sound system could. What began as a simple call to “yaka,” meaning to sit, relax, and gather, became a powerful reminder of what happens when a community moves with heart.
On its first night alone, the event raised over ₱12,000 for the victims of the Cebu earthquake. By the second night, the group had pooled an additional ₱5,000 and expects to reach at least ₱20,000 in total donations as the social campaign continues through the week.
Who would’ve thought that sitting down together could lift others back up?
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